Australian Government Criticised for Denying Visa to Trans Activist Chelsea Manning

Human rights groups have criticised the Australian government for denying a visa to transgender activist Chelsea Manning.

Think Inc invited Manning to Australia to talk about the human rights violations she experienced after leaking classified military documents to Wikileaks. Manning spent seven years in US military jails after becoming a whistle-blower, while in custody she transitioned.

Manning had previously said she was excited to speak in Australia and New Zealand about her experiences, explaining life after prison had been harder than she anticipated.

Manning was issued a “Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal under s501 of the Migration Act” after failing a “character test” and was denied entry into the country. She will instead be delivering her talk via a video link from New Zealand.

“By failing to approve a visa for Chelsea Manning, our government has silenced an important voice on human rights,” said Claire Mallinson, Amnesty International Australia’s National Director.“This new Australian government places little value on freedom of speech.”

Keep up to date with the latest myGnews

LGBT professionals, LGBT Graduates, LGBT professional network, LGBT professional events, LGBT networking events, LGBT Recruitment, LGBT Friendly organisations, LGBT Friendly companies, LGBT jobs